Happy Friday: Here's a good place to find a date

In the Best of Denver 2011, we named Common Grounds the Best Coffeehouse for Finding a Date, thanks to the constant crowd of young professionals who mingle over cappuccinos. And because we're big proponents of ditching online dating and blind set-ups every now and then in favor of meeting people the old-fashioned way -- that is to say, face-to-face -- every Friday, we're bringing you a Denver spot that we think is particularly conducive to meeting available members of the dating pool.

Tonight, we think you should head down to the First Friday festivities on Santa Fe, posting up on the patio with a glass of wine at Infinite Monkey Theorem.

The urban winery throws a party every First Friday, giving the artwalk folks a spot to imbibe before hitting the galleries (because it's a lot easier to make semi-coherent, semi-intelligent comments about the state of Denver's culture when you're under the influence). And that means the deck, adorned with cool industrial decor, is sure to be swarming with attractive types.

So twist a glass between your fingers and initiate a tandem tour of works, or grab a glass of rosé and a slice of pizza (Pizzeria Basta will provide the food) and find a kindred soul who will poke a little fun at the people who take the artwalk more seriously than just an opportunity to party.

Plus, if no one strikes your fancy there, you can roam the street, ducking into the shops and galleries and stopping at food trucks and carts until someone catches your eye.

Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.